The Heart of Worship

Youth, Children and Family Ministry

At Ashland First United Methodist Church, we provide:

  • Young family fellowship and social opportunities.

  • A special children’s message in worship.

  • Sunday School experiences. Sunday School is an important part of Sunday Morning at Ashland First United Methodist Church. We believe God loves children and invites them to learn about a gracious God who values kindness, cooperation, fairness and love. Children are naturally curious about how and why they were made. We teach them the stories of faith helping them to grow their hearts and spirits for a gifted life.

  • Inter-generational activities to support families.

  • Creative Connections after-school enrichment program. United Methodists have been at the center of education for children from the founding of the United States. What began in Sunday Schools grew into public schools for all, equipping our young to become compassionate and inspired leaders generation to generation.

Mission and Outreach Programs

At Ashland First United Methodist Church, we provide support and financial assistance to our community neighbors. Here are some examples of our outreach:

  • We maintain an Access food pantry to distribute food to the hungry once a week.

  • We support OHRA: Opportunities for Housing, Resources, & Assistance

  • We provide welcoming hospitality to our guests.

  • We’ve sponsored a Ukrainian refuge family.

  • We open our facilities to many community organizations.

  • We support the Wesley Foundation of Southern Oregon University.

Volunteer and Service Opportunities

At Ashland First United Methodist Church, there are many ways to volunteer in the church and broader community. Here are some examples:

  • Join the Welcoming Team in greeting and welcoming our guests and the congregation each week to help foster new relationships. The team also works to introduce those interested to new opportunities for spiritual growth within the church.

  • Join in worship/altar design, coffee hour, hospitality, liturgy reading, communion serving, sound management, and more.

  • Join the choir, the bell choir, or share your gift of music in special music offerings during worship.

  • Join in the weekly distribution of food to the hungry from our Access food pantry.

  • Participate in local Habitat for Humanity builds.

  • Contribute to three community non-profits through an alternative Christmas gift program.

  • Contribute to Creative Connections after school program.

Social Activities, Small Groups and Bible Studies

At Ashland First United Methodist Church, we bring people together to celebrate, learn, and grow. Here are some examples:

  • Young family fellowship activities.

  • A potluck and fellowship follow worship several times a year.

  • Weekly bible study led by our pastor Rev. Dr. Brett Strobel. Join us for our detailed and intentional study of our Sacred Scriptures. One of the amazing aspects to our unique approach is one where anyone may join us whenever without needing to have been to previous studies. You are welcome whenever you join us!

  • Weekly “Summer Afternoons at the Movies” where viewing full-length movies are followed by energetic discussions.

  • Sunday morning adult fellowship and book study before worship.

  • Women’s support group “Circle of Friends”, meets monthly. 

  • A men’s support group which meets monthly called “Wednesday Morning Men”. “We’re a bunch of guys who love each other and share our lives. We’d love any man who would like to come and give us a try! “

  • An annual church bazaar prior to Christmas.

Times and Locations

Group times can sometimes change. Please confirm with the Church Office.

Choir Rehearsal

Wednesdays 6:30 in the Sanctuary. All are welcome.

Bell Choir Rehearsal

Wednesdays 5:30 in the Sanctuary. All are welcome.

Bible Study

Wednesdays 10:00am to 11:00am in the Chapel. All are welcome.

Circle of Friends

9:30am to 11:30am in the Chapel, usually on the third Saturday of each month. All women are welcome.

  • Saturday Nov. 15

  • Saturday Dec. 6 (schedule exception)

  • Saturday Jan. 17

Wednesday Morning Men

8:00am to 9:00am in the Chapel. All men are welcome.

  • The second Wednesday of every month 

  • plus every Wednesday in Lent,

  • plus every Wednesday in Advent

Access Food Distribution

Wednesdays 2:00pm to 4:00pm, at the Church, on S. Laurel St. Note: beginning in December, Access Food Distribution will move to Thursdays.

Sunday Worship

10:30am In the Sanctuary

Children’s Sunday School

10:30am During worship service

Adult Book Discussion Group

9:00am Sundays in the Library with wide-ranging topics relevant to our spiritual growth.

Interested in participating?

Let us know! We will make sure you get the information you need.